§ VISCOUNT STANSGATEMy Lords, touching the Business, might I ask the noble Earl the Leader of the House when we may expect a statement—I appreciate that it will not be to-day—commenting on Mr. Butler's speech at Belfast last night relating to sanctions against Southern Ireland?
§ A NOBLE LORD: Last night?
THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE EARL OF HOME)My Lords, I do not think that there is any statement to make. Of course, if the noble Viscount wants to ask me a Question I will willingly answer it.
§ VISCOUNT STANSGATEMy Lords, does the noble Earl think that the House can separate and leave this issue in dispute? The noble Earl probably does not remember the Irish question, but it is a very burning issue to-day and might lead to immense trouble; and this casual remark of Mr. Butler's about an independent foreign State, and what he is going to do to it, may do a great deal of harm.
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, I hope that the House can well separate without a statement from me on this subject. As I say, if the noble Viscount wishes to pursue this matter I will do my best to give an Answer to a Question if he asks it to-morrow.